ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Gosh, tough one. Roles regularly come up on the Production/Get Work bulletin, but are often very lowly paid or collaborations. Casting Call Pro have more, and maybe better paid, but subscription is much dearer than SP.

I have some bad news though - you're in the most saturated demographic (white 20's women), and that means there's an insane amount of competition. I posted an ad on CCP once and closed it after a day - with hundreds and hundreds of applicants. The first arrived 2 minutes after posting! If you have that rarest of creatures, a useful agent who gets you work, I'd make sure to keep that as my principal relationship and indie film role seeking as support!

9 years, 6 months ago - AndBut Films

Welcome to SP! You are in the right place to find true indies and you are doing exactly the right thing: announcing your interest in collaborating on passion projects.

Look frequently at the "Get Work" section and respond to castings.

Use the member search facility to find other people who share your interests and taste in films. Read their profiles and contact people who are doing work that looks like it could be of interest. https://shootingpeople.org/member/search.php

Go to Shooters in the Pub networking events.

The very best thing is to find collaborators and initiate some projects yourself.

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Thanks so much Paddy & AndBut, great advice!

Paddy....yep you're right, it IS the most saturated casting bracket but I guess it's also the most "casted" role type too. I think Jada Pinkett Smith might have something to say about it if I start thinking of it as a disadvantage! :) I guess we're all "too" something..."too" samey, "too" different, "too" posh, "too" common.... I've been "too" Northern before... Gotta just work what your mama gave ya. :) thanks so much for the CCP advice, you've inspired me to upgrade to premium membership for a few months to see how I get on.

AndBut, thank you! Such great advice, I'm going to stalk the member search right away, thank you; that's exactly what I want to do...just connect with like minded people who are DOING things, making things, creating things...
And I didn't know about the Shooters pub events so I'll hopefully see you at one in the future!
Thanks so much guys
X

9 years, 6 months ago - Martin W. Payne

Kate,

Agree the best way is to keep looking for casting notices and consider everything (but apply for those that you fit, and are able to consider).

I've cast for shorts and micro shorts via StarNow and Casting Call Pro. My most recent experiences of CCP have been to find excellent applicants but then been let down by the selected individual at very short notice (one was at 10pm the evening before a shoot starting, for me as Producer, at 7.30am; another was by not showing at an agreed collection point on the way to the shoot starting an hour later. In the latter case, that wrecked the shoot and cost me £250, the former one was covered by having a standby in place "just in case").

So, from a production side, make connections - I'm more likely to use you if I know you / of you, and know I can rely on you to turn up. Have a "crew" skill so I can always use you as a runner or sound or lighting in order to have you on standby. Keep in contact with me leading up to the shoot so I know you are interested and still in touch. Read the script, think about your character, and contact me / director about your thoughts on the character. And show up on time or slightly early. Or offer to show up early to lend a hand.

From an acting side, I try to do the same - keeping in touch, being clear if I am able to make the shoot or not (if not, give as much notice as possible), and look at everything that might be "me".

But great you are getting stuff from your agent. Paid work is important, indie work tends to be low or no pay, so bear in mind any financial conflicts you may have.

Hope to work with you sometime!

9 years, 6 months ago - Peter Brook

I've been using CCP to cast a short over the last week and I've got some thoughts about what impressed me (and I thought some of them would be common sense, but I guess, as the saying goes, common sense isn't that common).

The most important things for me were in this order; Showreel, headshot then experience. And there were simple things people could do to make me like them a load more from the off.

First of all having two good photos a headshot and a full length shot. Some people had a million head shots but no full length. Also some people used very air brushed or outlandish modelling shots and again, maybe that added a flavour of a person, but most of the time I just want to see what a person looks like unembellished and you can’t see that through a wig, heavy contouring make up and eyelash extensions. Also girls always have a slight smile in head shots and guys always pull a sultry pose. Maybe there is a rationale behind that, but I’ve not figured it out. I read something on okcupid’s data analysis site that said a smile will more likely get you clicked than a sultry pose, so maybe guys would be better off smiling in headshots, I don’t know, and I digress…

The most important for me was the showreel. Shining in a showreel was the kicker for most of the people who I invited to audition and some of them were just simple dialog scenes, not action sequences. However, a showreel showed some actors (with lots of stage experience sometimes) to be uncomfortable on screen. If you’re not 100% happy with a section of your showreel scrap it. Really. It’s not worth it and is even better sometimes to have nothing. Sometimes there were tough calls as clearly competent actors were opposite people who weren’t any good. And then it’s tough. If acting is reacting, the only natural reaction to someone delivering lines that badly should be “why are you talking like that?” and most of the time people get dragged down. I really recommend scraping those as well.

What for me made a good showreel? Well first of all music videos of your greatest poses are really annoying, don’t do that. Next up just one bit of dialog from a scene out of context is uncomfortable. I want to see the whole scene, like delivering lines AND reacting to the other person reading lines. The reacting part is often where you’ll see someone shine, but I think people get nervous about doing that. Show it all otherwise the showreel isn’t showing your ability to act.

One of the best showreels I saw was just a static camera and two actors doing really naturalistic dialog, the characters had heart and I believed it. No cuts for three minutes and it’s what I was wishing all the other showreels were.

Finally if you don’t have a showreel, or something that you think people should see… I saw some nice monologs. Again it’s difficult to see if someone is going to be good at acting, but it gives you an idea of their voice’s timbre, kind of how they sit and how they move. It’s like a headshot plus.

Maybe what I’m saying here is that you have to be critical of your own work because the person casting certainly will be.

Anyway, maybe other people see the casting process differently from me, I’m by no means doing this for a living but I’ve thought a lot about it over the last week and hope that maybe this will help some actors. (Sorry if this turned into a rant/Public Service announcement thing)

9 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

The tip about a crew role from Martin is interesting - on the one hand it'll get you on more sets, on the other once people see you in a role, it's hard for them to see you in a different context. And most actors make unimpressive runners to be honest as they're often wanting to be on set or with the cast, not where they're needed!

That said, if you find a niche and do it well, it'll help supplement your income and give you more options :)

As for being 'too ...' I take your point, as long as you recognise the competition is ferocious!

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Thank you SO much guys...absolutely fantastic advice!

Martin - I never thought about adding a crew role before, that's a really interesting thing to consider! At the very least I'm known for my excellent tea making skills which I try to utilise on every shoot :)
And great tips for reassuring directors that I'm reliable...I take my job very seriously but I suppose I didn't realise that some actors might not so directors/producers may have had bad experiences in the past - I'll be sure in future to put their mind at rest that I'll turn up! :)

Peter - Haha not a rant at all, great advice and I've actually just made some changes to my CCP and SP profiles because of it. I've added a full length shot to both profiles (CCP is still waiting for approval so that should show up in a few days) and I'm going to give my showreel a little revamp with your tips in mind once a TV drama I'm in airs next month.

Paddy - haha you're totally right I was just trying to find a silver lining :) great advice!

9 years, 6 months ago - Natasha Berger

Hi Kate, I cast my last film with a combination of Spotlight and CCP and will do the same for the next one. Most working directors I know rely heavily on Spotlight to find talent. A good showreel and high quality photos with varying expressions will set you apart from the competition. Even if you don't have a stellar showreel it's nice to put up an introductory video - reading a scene or just telling a bit about who you are. We want to see what you look like on camera. Btw, some of the things that set you apart will be exactly what people are looking for so be sure to mention, for example, your northern accent.

It's tough out there but with an agent and tv experience you should be able to get some parts on shorts at least - there's quite a few of us working at any one time.

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Hi Natasha, thanks so much for your lovely advice. It's interesting to know that indie directors use spotlight as well as other casting sites; when you have an agent you're not allowed to submit to (or even see) spotlight casting breakdowns yourself so I guess I'm missing out on a lot there that perhaps my agent wouldn't think to submit me for.
I'll definitely keep up with CCP and see how I get on with that and, of course, on here.
Thanks so much for the tips! Much appreciated!

9 years, 6 months ago - Natasha Berger

Wow, had no idea this was the case with Spotlight. You're quite reliant on your agent then to make the call. It's not the end of the world however as I think most directors like to have more than one source and CCP is free to post, whereas Spotlight is not. I check both and sometimes find the same profiles or better on CCP. Can't say I ever use SP though, unless it's purely for collaboration or crew.

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Ah that's reassuring that directors like to use more than one source. Yeah, if you don't have an agent you can access the breakdowns and apply directly but if you're represented you can't....makes sense I guess as they'd just have people submitting twice but you do wonder what is on that magical mysterious casting board sometimes! ;)

I just checked out the trailer to your film, looks really great!! I feel like I know the lead girl too but can't place how?

9 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

All agents are not equal, there are some out there who will favour some clients over others, or have other agendas. If yours is finding you work just now, that's amazing, and may be worth hounding them for some film work - certainly sounds like a relationship to expand upon. There are thousands of unrepresented actors desperate even for a bad agent, so a decent one is worth keeping ;-)

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Thanks Paddy, yep you're right. Really happy with my agent, which is a great place to be. Just want to make sure I'm looking in all the right places to do some good passion projects this year...I'll make sure to let them know I'm looking for some indie projects. Thanks sir!

Natasha - realised how I knew your lead actress last night as she popped up in my Twitter feed, met her at an event a couple of years ago! Mystery solved.

9 years, 6 months ago - Natasha Berger

Ha, it really is a small world here in little London. She's mainly a stage actor but her face is made for cinema. Lovely to work with all around!

9 years, 6 months ago - Luke Walton

Hi Kate, and welcome to SP!
I run a short film pitching competition called The Pitch ( www.enterthepitch.com) and can offer you two possible answers to your question. Firstly, and like a good number of actors before you, you can pitch directly to the competition to win the £25K (cash budget) to make your short film. We welcome pitches from all disciplines on the understanding that we will help build the team - so plenty of writer/directors but in making the case for your film we would entirely understand your desire to cast yourself in a lead role. Secondly, as I have hinted, we do produce the winning film each year. We have in the past used Spotlight and other online casting options, but have more recently been working with casting agents Jenkins McShane. We will always consider CV's sent in, particularly when they have looked carefully at our winning projects and what we are looking for.
You have some good advice from others here - all the best for a fruitful year!
best,
Luke Walton
Luke.Walton@enterthepitch.com

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Hi Luke,

Thanks so much for you advice. WOW. The Pitch is I. N. C. R. E. D. I. B. L. E. What a fantastic competition! I've just been stalking the site and will have a watch of all last year's pitches this evening. Is the theme the same each year? A theme or story from the bible? I look forward to entering in 2016!
I'll also definitely apply for any suitable roles during the casting process. Wow again...such a great thing you do. :)

Thanks Luke and all the best to you too!

9 years, 6 months ago - Luke Walton

Hi Kate,

delighted you like the competition - yes always this theme but always different stories and genre (not enough comedy if you want to stand out from the crowd!). Drop me an email with links to your cv and showreel and keep in touch through the year. We also run talks which may be of interest to you. Under the title Film Matters we hold talks once or twice a month (often in London) that link industry professionals with film makers of all backgrounds - a sort of non film school film school!. They are crazy value due to sponsorship and some great people come in to speak. If you register on our site then you will get emails alerting you when the talks are coming up (or follow us on twitter) but we promise not to deluge your inbox!
Thanks again for the enthusiasm - as one of our finalists Paris tweeted recently ( ‏@pariszarcilla Jan 17 )

"@enter_the_pitch is one of the most underrated, under valued funding bodies in the film industry. It was a great pleasure to be a part of it"

best, LW

9 years, 6 months ago - Vanessa Bailey

Hi Kate!

Basically doing what you'e doing right now. Network! Get on twitter, post your showreel, establish a presence, go to screenings, film events, festivals. Connect with filmmakers and directors on social media and start putting yourself out there. Ilm in the same position as you, I have an agent Simon & How who gets me paid work but I'm passionate about indie film. I'm currently in pre-production for my own short film and this was crewed and cast via networking on social media and real-life (!) events and wading through websites. I have an excellent cast and crew, so it can be done. There's no shortcut and there are a lot of actors out there, so it's all about creating a strong voice that people will be attracted to and want to collaborate with :) I'm @vbaileyactor if you want to connect x

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Thanks so much Luke, I'll definitely drop you an email over the weekend. Sounds fantastic, I'll sign up to Film Matters also! Had a look over some of the pitches, really really great! Such an amazing opportunity...

Hi Vanessa! Lovely to speak to you and thanks so much for the advice! Wow, amazing work on getting your film up and running, very inspiring! I'm going to take your advice and start networking more this year...something I'm RUBBISH at but the advice from the lovely shooters on here has really helped make me realise it's more about 'connecting' with likeminded people rather than just bothering them! ;)
Thanks so much, I'll follow/bother you on Twitter now, haha!
x

9 years, 6 months ago - Paulina Brahm

Dear Kate,

like you, I am passionate about indies and have found Shooting People to be a great way to get involved. I've been a member for over a year. While I have been shockingly mistreated by some members, I also have created great work and made fantastic connections with other collaborators. Good news is on the mistreatment, now I know who to avoid at festivals and such. While you may feel like a newborn (yes, bless you!) as you know, in our profession you also have to have a pretty thick skin.

As Vanessa said, networking is quite important now. I have recently suffered a bereavement and am slowly getting back into the acting game. While I am adjusting my mindset to attending events in person, e-mail and digital platforms enable me to move ahead while affording me time to fully immerse myself again.

Are you Equity? Attending branch meetings is a FANTASTIC way to make contacts. My branch is very proactive at creating work and opportunities.

Finally, a stellar quality you have is that you respond to everyone that's written you. This is a rare thing and will stand you in good stead. It speaks of generosity which is the hallmark of a great actor.

I wish you much success with SP. Have you subscribed to the 'Casting' bulletins? They will have castings as well as info on networking events.

Kind regards,
Paulina Brahm

9 years, 6 months ago - Kate Holderness

Hi Paulina,

Thanks so much for your lovely reply. So sorry to hear about your recent sad news and glad you're getting back into the game. Wishing you lots of luck and love.

No I'm not with equity actually...I know, I know...I SHOULD be. Yes I've subscribed to the casting bulletins so will keep an eye out on there, thank you!

I've only been a member of SP for a week and, although there aren't as many casting notices as CCP, I've already made some great contacts and spoken with lots of like minded people on here so I'm so glad I signed up...not to mention the fantastic advice just on this thread!

Thanks again for your lovely post and wishing lots of success back! :)

Kate